Buffalo news

• Former security contractor for school accused of raping girl

  03-03-2017 23:05 via wivb.com
  
  HOLLEY, N.Y. (WIVB) — A former security contractor at an Orleans County school was charged with ten counts of rape.
  Brockport resident Adam Mesiti, 46, was accused of sexual conduct with a girl younger than 17 at Holley High School.
  The Orleans County Sheriff’s office says the alleged incidents happened in 2014.
  During that time, Mesiti was employed by a private firm contracted to provide security at the school district.
  In addition to being charged with rape, Mesiti was also ch
  
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• Tonawanda family giving away free landscaping makeover in honor of down syndrome

  03-03-2017 22:55 via wivb.com
  
  TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — “We were just taken a little by surprise because we didn’t know what it was, we didn’t know what the term down syndrome meant, we didn’t know what was in store,” said Rocco Guadagna, Vision Lawn Care and Snow Plowing Inc. owner.
  The day Rocco Jr. was born, his parents were told something wasn’t right.
  “Our doctor at the time had said we believe that Rocco has a heart condition and he has down syndrome. That’s what too
  
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• Lawsuit filed against Emerald South after resident’s fatal beating

  03-03-2017 22:08 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A lawsuit has been filed against the Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
  The lawsuit was filed after the August beating death of 82-year-old resident Ruth Murray.
  The elderly man who killed Murray suffered from dementia, as did Murray. He had a history of aggression, but was not charged.
  DETAILS | Find details on the incident here.
  According to the lawsuit, Murray fell and was hit multiple times by other residents in the months leading up to he
  
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• Emerald South lawsuit details more abuse, falls before fatal beating

  03-03-2017 22:08 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Nearly six months to the day Ruth Murray died after being beaten by another resident on the dementia floor at Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, attorneys representing her family have filed a lawsuit for wrongful death.
  The suit tells more about Murray’s final year at Emerald South, which attorneys say included more abuse leading up to the morning of Aug. 26 — when she was brutally attacked.
  Emerald South nursing home on Delaware Avenue had
  
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• Suspicious package determined to be school project dropped by student

  03-03-2017 21:44 via wivb.com
  
  TOWN OF HINSDALE, N.Y. (WIVB) — Authorities determined that a suspicious package found in front of a school was nothing to worry about.
  Shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday, members of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s office responded to a report of a suspicious package in the roadway in front of Hinsdale Central School.
  The package had been seen by a parent who was dropping off children.
  When deputies responded to the scene, they closed off the area around the package. Bomb tech
  
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• ECC Hockey player faces assault charge after knocking down referee

  03-03-2017 21:05 via wivb.com
  
  BINGHAMTON N.Y. (WIVB) – A new charge came against an Erie Community College (ECC) hockey player after he was accused of knocking down a 62-year-old referee.
  Freshman Brandon Day, a graduate of West Seneca, was in the penalty box, but left it during a pause in play. That is when he allegedly knocked down the referee.
  SUNY Broome Police investigated the incident in Binghamton. Day was charged with harassment, disorderly conduct and fourth-degree criminal mischief. An additional charge
  
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• Mayo, wings, butter: ‘Fake milk’ is the latest food fight

  03-03-2017 20:44 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Is “fake milk” spoiling the dairy industry’s image?
  Dairy producers are calling for a crackdown on the almond, soy and rice “milks” they say are masquerading as the real thing and cloud the meaning of milk. A group that advocates for plant-based products, the Good Food Institute, countered this week by asking the Food and Drug Administration to say terms such as “milk” and “sausage” can be used as long as they’re m
  
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• Police: 34 vehicles involved in Thursday’s Thruway pile-ups

  03-03-2017 19:25 via wivb.com
  
  SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — State police say no one suffered life-threatening injuries despite nearly three dozen vehicles being involved in 11 separate accidents during whiteout conditions on the Thruway near Syracuse.
  Troopers say Thursday’s crashes occurred near the entrance ramp to the Warners Service Plaza on Interstate 90’s westbound side just west of Exit 39 in Van Buren. Police say seven of the crashes occurred in the westbound lanes, which were shut down from about 7:30 a.m.
  
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• Ford recalling nearly 32,000 vehicles for air bag defect

  03-03-2017 19:12 via wivb.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling 31,867 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because their driver’s side air bags may not inflate properly.
  The recall affects the 2016-2017 Ford Edge, the 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX and the 2017 Lincoln Continental. Most are in the U.S. but 4,336 are in Canada.
  The air bags were made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., but they don’t have the same deadly problem that has led to a recall of millions of Takata air bags.
  In that case, air bags can i
  
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• Buffalo Distilling Company bringing new life to historic brand, building

  03-03-2017 19:02 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The newest addition to the craft beverage scene in Larkinville is set to open its doors to the public for its first regular tastings and tours on Saturday, marking a huge moment years in the making.
  The new operation in the old Duchmann and Sons Carriage Manufacturing building revives the old Buffalo Distilling Company brand. The original Buffalo Distilling Company operated in a building a few blocks away from 1883 until 1914, going under in the ramp up to Prohibitio
  
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• Sheriff: Wanted man found with drugs during traffic stop

  03-03-2017 18:52 via wivb.com
  
  GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Niagara Falls man was accused of possessing drugs and driving without a license.
  Erie County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle driven by Aramis Fournier, 34, on Whitehaven Rd. in Grand Island Thursday night.
  Deputies say he was driving without a license and had an active warrant. While searching Fournier’s vehicle, deputies say they found a controlled substance called ALZA.
  After taking Fournier into custody, deputies say he tried to d
  
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• Grand Island group pushing for cashless tolling on bridge

  03-03-2017 17:49 via wivb.com
  
  GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — A group of politicians, business owners, and citizens are now pushing for cashless tolling, beautifying the bridges, and increasing transparency in where the toll money is going.
  These are objective the group hopes will come to fruition in the near future.
  “This is not a major outfit,” said Nate McMurray, the Grand Island Supervisor. “This isn’t a new infrastructure project. The goal has to be baby steps.”
  This is a differ
  
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• Town of Tonawanda police looking to identify man

  03-03-2017 17:03 via wivb.com
  
  TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police in the Town of Tonawanda are looking for help identifying a man.
  Detectives are looking for the man in relation to a string of fraudulent checks that have been cashed.
  He is believed to live in the Buffalo area and may go by the name, Carl. This person is known to frequent the Buffalo Creek Casino, police say.
  Anyone who knows who he is can call the police department’s confidential tip line at 879-6606.
  
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• Cuomo: NY will use “decoys” to target underage drinking

  03-03-2017 16:30 via wivb.com
  
  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities in New York state are launching a new campaign aimed at reducing underage drinking.
  The effort announced Thursday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will involve the use of underage “decoys,” young people working with law enforcement who attempt to buy alcohol at bars, restaurants and liquor retailers.
  The plan also includes sweeps of bars and restaurants to search for minors using fake IDs.
  “Underage drinking and fake IDs are not only illegal, but
  
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• Arrest made in national threats to Jewish community centers

  03-03-2017 16:15 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — An arrest has been made in connection with threats made to at least eight Jewish community centers nationwide and the Anti-Defamation League’s headquarters in New York City.
  Federal authorities in New York said Friday that Juan Thompson has been arrested.
  According to a complaint, the threats were made to harass a former girlfriend. The caller used the victim’s name while making some of the threats.
  The phone threat to the ADL’s Manhattan headquarters was
  
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• Arrest made in connection national JCC threats

  03-03-2017 16:15 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — An arrest has been made in connection with threats made to at least eight Jewish community centers nationwide and the Anti-Defamation League’s headquarters in New York City.
  Federal authorities arrested 31-year-old Juan Thompson Friday.
  According to a complaint, the threats were made to harass a former girlfriend. Investigators say Thompson used the victim’s name while making some of the threats.
  The phone threat to the ADL’s Manhattan headquarters was mad
  
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• School bus, truck collide in Middleport

  03-03-2017 16:01 via wivb.com
  
  MIDDLEPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) — No kids were hurt when a school bus and a truck collided in Niagara County.
  The crash happened near the intersection of Route 31 and Carmen Rd. in Middleport.
  The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital to be checked out.
  Route 31 was closed from Freeman Rd. to Peet St., but fully reopened just before 10 a.m.
  
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• Five students injured after school bus, truck collide in Middleport

  03-03-2017 16:01 via wivb.com
  
  MIDDLEPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) — Five Barker students were hurt when a school bus and a truck collided in Niagara County Friday morning.
  The crash happened near the intersection of Route 31 and Griswold St. in Middleport. The two vehicles collided shortly after 8 a.m.
  The southbound bus was turning east when a northbound truck continued onward and struck the bus. Both had stopped at their stop signs before the crash, the Niagara County Sheriff’s office says.
  The driver of the truck was
  
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• Celebrities in town for Buffalo Home Show

  03-03-2017 14:40 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — You can get advice for home improvement from nationally-known experts this weekend at the Buffalo Home Show.
  Chris Lambton stopped by News 4 Wake Up on Friday. He’s a familiar face for some of you. Lambton is the host of DIY Networks “Yard Crashers” and appears with his wife Peyton on HGTV’s “Going Yard” where they transform backyards, one house at a time.
  You can see him at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center at the following ti
  
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• Pedestrian jumps on hood of NFTA bus in Black Rock

  03-03-2017 14:06 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Officials say a pedestrian jumped on a mini-bus early Friday morning while high on crack cocaine.
  It happened shortly before 5 a.m. on Military Rd. and Race St. According to officials, the man admitted he was high on crack when he jumped on the vehicle’s hood.
  Officials say he also jumped on another vehicle.
  Our crew on the scene saw the man conscious and screaming at paramedics in the ambulance. Crews had to restrain the man in the ambulanc
  
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• Pedestrian hit by NFTA bus in Black Rock

  03-03-2017 14:06 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — News 4 will be working to find out more today about a pedestrian who was hit by a mini-bus early Friday morning. It happened around 5 a.m. on Military Road near Hertel Avenue.
  Our crew on the scene saw the man conscious and screaming at paramedics in the ambulance. Crews had to restrain the man in the ambulance.
  Police closed Military Road for about an hour as they investigated. It has since re-opened.
   
   
  
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• ECSO seizes drugs, weapons and cash during east side raid

  03-03-2017 05:43 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Erie County Sheriff’s Office announced a major drug raid conducted Thursday evening by the ECSO Narcotics Unit.
  Sheriff Timothy Howard said in a news conference that the investigation started two months ago after receiving information about drug dealing on their tip line.
  Deputies say 41 year-old Calvin Young was dealing a large amount of drugs out of an apartment on East North Street. Authorities say known drug dealers and users were routinely coming in an
  
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• HS Hoops boys playoffs: Class B-2 semifinals, sectional finals field set

  03-03-2017 05:17 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – 
  B-2 semifinal: Health Sciences 55 Medina 37
  B-2 semifinal: Lackawanna 62 Olmsted 49
  SECTION TITLE GAMES:
  AA: Niagara Falls vs. Lancaster (Saturday, 8:30)
  A-1: Williamsville South vs. North Tonawanda (Saturday, 7:00)
  A-2: Amherst vs. South Park (Saturday, 3:30)
  B-1: East Aurora vs. Newfane (Saturday, 1:45)
  B-2: Health Sciences vs. Lackawanna (Saturday, Noon)
  C-1: Chautauqua Lake vs. Cleveland Hill (Friday, 8:15)
  C-2: Randolph vs. East (Friday
  
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• President will stay on at NCCC amid federal probe

  03-03-2017 04:05 via wivb.com
  
   
  SANBORN, N.Y. (WIVB) — A measure to place the president of Niagara County Community College on administrative leave fell one vote short Thursday, following a lengthy executive session.
  The college’s Board of Trustees voted 5-4 to “maintain consistency at the college” and help “ensure students receive the same strong education they have come to expect at NCCC,” according to a statement released by the board Chairman, Vincent Ginestre following the vote.
  
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• NCCC president remains in position amid investigation

  03-03-2017 03:09 via wivb.com
  
  SANBORN, N.Y. (WIVB) — A measure to replace the president of Niagara County Community College on administrative leave failed by one vote Thursday night.
  During a special meeting in Sanborn, the board of trustees voted 5-4 to “maintain consistency at the college” by keeping President James Klyczek in place.
  This comes amid a federal investigation that was served on the college late last month over allegations of bid-rigging for the culinary institute in Niagara Falls.
  The board
  
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• It is Back to the Future for popular STAR Program tax breaks

  03-03-2017 02:57 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – It has been 20 years since former Governor George Pataki and state lawmakers rolled out the STAR Program of exemptions on school property taxes for homeowners, and it has become so popular politicians in Albany keep coming up with new ways to add to it.
  But now, you could say, it got to be too much of a good thing. STAR started out as an exemption on a homeowner’s school tax bill: property owners got a break on their taxes, then the state made up the differenc
  
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• Easy money: you could paid just to drive your car—not

  03-03-2017 02:21 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The text message said Nick Piazza would receive “weekly wages for you carrying out our decal on your car as Agreed,” meaning Nick’s car would be shrink wrapped in a plastic sheet advertising RedBull, a popular energy drink.
  Nick was suddenly thinking $500 a week to drive his Cadillac around town as a rolling billboard for RedBull, that would help make the car payments, “They said Nick we will wrap your car, you just have to drive it around, b
  
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• Easy money: you could be paid just to drive your car—not

  03-03-2017 02:21 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The text message said Nick Piazza would receive “weekly wages for you carrying out our decal on your car as Agreed,” meaning Nick’s car would be shrink wrapped in a plastic sheet advertising RedBull, a popular energy drink.
  Nick was suddenly thinking $500 a week to drive his Cadillac around town as a rolling billboard for RedBull, that would help make the car payments, “They said Nick we will wrap your car, you just have to drive it around, b
  
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• Men found with drugs during traffic stop in Springville

  03-03-2017 00:04 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A traffic stop resulted in charges against two men in the Village of Springville.
  An Erie County Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle at W. Main St. and Route 219 around 2:30 a.m. Thursday. The Sheriff’s office says Olean resident Logan Shearer, 21, was driving without a license.
  The vehicle’s passenger, Buffalo resident Jamar Mills, 22, began to make erratic movements and tried to lock the vehicle’s doors, deputies say. In additi
  
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